Kicking Tires: July, 2012

Mercedes-Benz's smallest SUV got a face-lift for 2013. This stylish five-passenger crossover's compact size shouldn't prevent families from checking it out, however. Although there's not a ton of room in the backseat, accessible Latch anchors mean it has a child-seat-friendly.

What Chevy calls its "most capable track-day" Camaro yet, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro with the 1LE Performance Package makes good on the carmaker's promise of coming in under $40,000. It will start at $37,035, including a $900 destination charge, when..

The turbocharged version of Buick's compact Verano will get 31 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. The 2013 Verano Turbo is rated at 20/31/24 mpg city/highway/combined. Non-turbocharged Veranos use a 180-horsepower four-cylinder engine and get 21/32/25 mpg.

Pre-collision systems that prepare or apply the brakes when they detect an impending crash have become widespread among luxury cars, and one of the systems is under scrutiny. Left Lane News reports the Infiniti JX35's system, called Intelligent Brake Assist.

Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle-related deaths among children under 14, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and a new study has found that aftermarket products designed to prevent kids from accidentally being left in a.

Dodge's large sedan was redesigned for 2011, but something was still missing, according to Cars.com Editor Joe Bruzek. The addition of an eight-speed automatic transmission fills that hole and makes the engine feel livelier while also boosting fuel economy, Bruzek.

For those who want the Kia Optima’s looks but not its size, the wait is almost over. The redesigned 2013 Kia Forte compact is just around the corner (shown above). Debuting in South Korea first, the new Forte — known...

If you think you see the Toyota Prius everywhere, that's because it is. Sales of Toyota's most popular hybrid are continually strong, undoubtedly propelled by the lure of high fuel economy. However, more automakers have joined the hybrid movement since.

The rodents return: Kia will launch another iteration of its well-received hamster ads, which have appeared in everything from urban centers to robot wars, to shill the popular Soul hatchback. Automotive News cited Korean executives last week saying the automaker.

Hyundai is recalling 22,512 model-year 2012 and 2013 Sonata sedans because the side curtain airbags may inflate randomly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles were manufactured from Jan. 24 through June 21, 2012.

Hyundai is recalling 199,118 model-year 2007-09 versions of the Santa Fe midsize SUV because of a problem with the occupant classification sensor, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles were built from April 19, 2006, through.

Late-model used-car prices on Cars.com have eased a little recently, dropping slightly from June 1 to July 1, but a number of used cars saw big decreases in asking price. The Saturn Aura midsize sedan saw the biggest percentage decrease,...

Hey, what are you doing tonight, say, around 11:30 p.m. Eastern? Watching Letterman? Please. Instead, check out Lexus' Facebook page for the unveiling of the redesigned LS flagship sedan. The above image shows a bit of what to expect. If...

The new Acura ILX brings a new level of affordability to the Japanese luxury carmaker. The lower starting price, and the model's great gas mileage, will probably appeal to more frugal-minded car shoppers, but can it compete against the likes...

The Subaru Forester gets incremental changes for the 2013 model year, including Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming added to the standard features list on all models. To learn more about the changes coming to the new Forester, and to...

Silver, white and black will still make up about 50% to 80% of all car colors, but natural colors like brown, blue and green will be the hot trend in the next five years, paint specialists at BASF say. BASF...

Texting and other electronic usage cause up to 25% of all car crashes, according to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association, a nonprofit group working to improve traffic safety. Put another way, nearly 5,500 vehicular-related deaths can be.

Jeep, GM and BMW plan marketing splashes in London's 2012 Olympic Games, which kick off tonight. Automotive News reports BMW is the Olympics' official automotive sponsor, with 3,200 vehicles shuttling athletes and dignitaries around London during the games and a.

Mazda says it is recalling 217,500 Mazda Tributes to fix an unintended-acceleration defect that we first reported on Thursday for the first-generation Ford Escape. The recall affects 2001-06 and 2008 Tributes equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine and cruise control,.

So your "baby" is copping a big-kid attitude and wants to kiss his childish booster goodbye. Not so fast, parents. A booster is just as important in keeping your kids safe in the car as an infant or convertible seat....

Ford is recalling nearly 485,000 2001-04 Ford Escape SUVs equipped with the 3.0-liter V-6 and cruise control, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as reported by Autoblog. On Escapes manufactured from Oct. 22, 1999, through Jan.

Automotive supplier Harman could debut a system that recognizes hand and facial gestures to control various in-car systems, Wired reports. You can turn on the radio, change the volume or alter cabin temperature by winking, tilting your head or lowering.

It's been more than four model years since the Audi R8 debuted in the U.S. and for 2013, the ultra-luxury sports car will undergo a mid-cycle refresh. While it might not look like it, the front end has been redesigned...

Here are the first images of the redesigned 2014 Mazda6 sedan. It will debut at the Moscow International Motor Show next month for that market; all other markets, including the U.S., will see their versions at the 2012 Paris Motor...

I've been test-driving the 2013 Ford Flex this week, which I've been waiting to drive for years. Overall, my impressions are highly favorable (stay tuned for the complete review) with the exception of one major point. My test car came...

Most significant changes: A backup camera is now available Price change: TBA On sale: TBA Which should you buy, 2012 or 2013? 2012; the changes are too minor to warrant waiting for the 2013. The Americanized Volkswagen Passat enters into...

Nothing about the 2012 Toyota 4Runner says mom-mobile, an attribute that Cars.com Family contributor BreAnn Ahara likes. But this five-seat SUV is built for off-roading and has a high step-in height, two negatives for BreAnn and her family after their.

How much more would you pay for a certified pre-owned vehicle? CPO programs inspect and recondition late-model used cars, extend the warranty and sometimes discount the financing. But they cost more up front. Take a popular used car like the...

Porsche's 911 Carrera S combines unprecedented performance and reasonable day-to-day livability, according to Cars.com Executive Editor Joe Wiesenfelder. Among its strengths are a more refined, yet efficient powertrain for 2012 and a dynamic suspension.

On Monday, Ford revealed that the 2013 C-Max Energi, the automaker's first plug-in hybrid, will be capable of traveling about 20 miles on electric power alone. Today, Ford announced pricing for the plug-in. It will start at $33,745 when it...

How is the EPA gas mileage on that new car's window sticker determined? It's a complex system, and federal regulators verify just 15% of the ratings, the Detroit Free Press reports. At its Michigan laboratories, the EPA checks between 150...

When the 2013 Lincoln MKZ goes on sale later this year, the premium midsize sedan will start at $36,800, including an $875 destination charge. That's $1,170 more than the outgoing model, but according to Lincoln, the new MKZ costs $175...

The 2012 Scion iQ doesn't look like a family car, but it can be if your family includes just one child. The iQ is a three- or four-seater, depending on the driver's height. For our Car Seat Checks, the driver's...

During a week testing the Fiat 500 Abarth, I've found people's reactions to it highly amusing. My husband and I took it out for a date night over the weekend, and the valet awarded the $26,000 Abarth prime real estate...

UPDATE: Parents are often searching for the automotive holy grail: a car that's not a minivan and can fit three child-safety seats across the backseat. It's a short list. In the more than two years that Cars.com editors have been...

Mercedes-Benz says it will start putting inflatable rear seat belts in some of its vehicles, according to a statement from the automaker. The multilayered belt straps with Velcro seams can expand to nearly three times their normal width in an...

Reversing a longstanding trend, U.S. traffic deaths increased in the first quarter of 2012, the Detroit News reports. Fatalities increased 13.5% in the first quarter of 2012, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration figures, with 1.

Ford expects its first plug-in hybrid to be able to go more than 20 miles on electric power alone. The automaker also projects the C-Max Energi to deliver a total range of 550 miles. The Energi wagon is the plug-in...

One of the most popular segments in the auto industry is the compact SUV. Why? It's the mix of practicality, utility, price and now fuel economy. There are three all-new or redesigned compact utes on the market since the Chevy...

We may have been surprised at how well all six of our contenders measured up in our latest Shootout in terms of standard equipment, mileage and performance, but there’s one area where you can actually see how the spec sheet...

As part of our just-released $25,000 Compact SUV Shootout, we took the six contenders on an extended drive route of roughly 200 miles to test how efficient they truly were. In the end, it wasn't a surprise that the highest...

Taking on the leader in any sport, market or prison yard is ballsy and — for those who aspire to greatness — an excellent strategy. Talking trash, on the other hand, might be a pointless and foolhardy one. Cadillac has...

For the 2012 model year, Chevrolet put out its most aggressive Camaro yet, the 580-horsepower ZL1. While all that power makes this Camaro a serious performance contender, there are downsides, according to Cars.com Editor Joe Bruzek, who said the model.

A multitalented new car — one that can get you to work while it makes you an espresso — was our most read story for the week. The new nifty espresso-maker will be available on the 500L, a larger crossover...

We're halfway through 2012, and many 2013 models are entering the market already. They may not be fancy redesigns, but the change in model year still brings some changes. You're also likely hearing a lot of commercials announcing blowout sales...

Are used-car prices seeing some relief? We reported last May they would likely stay elevated for years to come — the result of fewer new-car sales during the recession — but prices for compact and midsize used cars fell around...

GMC’s three-row SUV, the Acadia, isn’t for the timid, especially when driving the luxurious Denali trim, says Cars.com Family contributor Carrie Kim. This beauty can easily haul seven passengers, and its V-6 engine makes easy work of highways and hills.

The updated 2013 Audi A4 sedan has a starting price of $33,395, including an $895 destination fee. Besides a $20 increase in destination and handling for the model year, the A4 has the same MSRP as the 2012 model. That...

Kia is on a roll with strong sales, but it aims to stick with its vaunted 10-year warranty. Executives at the Korean automaker stood by the 100,000-mile powertrain policy — mirroring Hyundai's defense of the same warranty last year amid...

If you're of a curious mind, you've probably wondered in amazement at the intricacies of global trade. If you're an owner of an Asian import, your vehicle could have traveled the equivalent of nearly 10,000 miles or more, mostly in...

Most significant changes: A V-6 and new V-8 are added Price change: $6,530 lower On sale: V-6 and W12 models available now; V-8 in summer; S8 in fall Which should you buy, 2012 or 2013? If you're looking for a...

If you already feel like a chauffeur for your kids, ferrying them around in the Equus will make you feel right at home. Hyundai's largest sedan has a cavernous backseat with power reclining functionality. Premium materials and plenty of comfort...

For the $130,000 as-tested price of our Mercedes-Benz SL550 test car, the curious-looking button with an image of a box surrounding the SL550 better be a Starship Enterprise-like deflector shield. You know, to create an impenetrable force field against rogue.

Volkswagen is recalling 46 model-year 2012 versions of the Beetle compact coupe because they may be equipped with incorrect tires, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles use summer tires that do not conform to federal.

Ford is voluntarily recalling about 11,500 model-year 2013 Escapes with the 1.6-liter engine. The automaker advises customers not to drive these Escapes and to contact their dealers immediately for the repairs. On Escapes with the turbo 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine,.

Previously codenamed KH and then known as the K9, Kia's new flagship sedan will be called Quoris when it goes on sale in the U.S. later this year. The large sedan went on sale in Korea earlier this spring. The...

If you own a car long enough, there's bound to be a few messy moments. Maybe you had a long road trip, or you foolishly told your old college roommate you'd bring his slobbering Bernese Mountain Dog to a faraway...

Most significant changes: Interior updates, backup camera and launch control on GLI models Price change: TBA On sale: TBA Which should you buy, 2012 or 2013? Buy a 2012 unless you're considering a top-level trim For the 2013 model year,...

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking at nearly 730,000 Ford Escapes and Mazda Tributes for possible cases of unintended acceleration, according to Bloomberg News. The investigation into 2001-04 Escape and Tribute models was initiated after an alleged unintended-acceleration.

There's nothing like good tunes to get a summer road trip rolling. Cars.com is partnering with Pandora internet radio to offer three new car-themed music stations. Songs About Cars Radio is a mix of pop, hip-hop, rock and country and...

Let’s hear it for the ultimate family hauler: the minivan. The Dodge Grand Caravan effortlessly hauls up to seven people and has room to spare for their gear, according to Cars.com Family contributor Courtney Messenbaugh. This budget-friendly minivan has tons.

It seemed like the automotive industry was all about thinking inside the box during the last few years, with squared-off entries from Honda, Scion, Nissan and Kia entering the market. Since the midsize Honda Element debuted in 2002, it's been...

Porsche is recalling 270 model-year 2011-12 versions of the Porsche Panamera Turbo, 2012 Panamera Turbo S and 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo due to a potential defect with the engine, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles.

Nissan is recalling 11,076 model-year 2012 versions of the Juke compact hatchback due to problems with the rear seatback, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles were manufactured from Feb. 3 through May 26, 2012, (check.

The sport-tuned version of Volkswagen's compact hatchback looks cool and is both powerful and fun to drive, Managing Editor David Thomas says, but is there a market for it? The Golf R appeals to a niche audience, and similarly priced...

An all-new Volkswagen Beetle convertible will go on sale early next year, according to the automaker. It will be the first time that a convertible has appeared in the Beetle lineup since the 2010 model year. That was the last...

GM is teaming with car-sharing service RelayRides to allow Chevrolet, GMC, Buick or Cadillac owners to unlock their doors via an OnStar app, Reuters reports, making it easier to facilitate car sharing than cars without a telematics system. Car sharing.

The EPA has tested Cadillac's smallest sedan and rated it at 22/33 mpg city/highway and 26 mpg combined. Cadillac had said the car will deliver 30-plus mpg highway in at least one variation. The EPA's rating applies to the ATS'...

Starting with the 2013 model year, a backup camera will be standard on the redesigned Honda Accord along with the Crosstour, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and CR-Z. That means Honda's 12-model lineup goes from having just two models with a standard...

Gas prices have been on a surprise and welcome slide this summer. After continuing to fall for more than three months, however, a new survey is predicting that they've hit bottom. Reuters is reporting that the Lundberg Survey shows gas...

When the 2013 Toyota Corolla goes on sale later this summer, it will start at $17,025, including a $795 destination fee. That's a $100 increase in the MSRP and a $35 increase in the destination fee. The 2013 Toyota Corolla...

When the redesigned Lexus ES 350 goes on sale later this summer, it'll start at $36,995, including an $895 destination charge. That's a 1.7% decrease compared to model-year 2012 versions. Its hybrid sibling, the ES 300h, will cost $2,750 more...

Jaguar will offer four- and six-cylinder engines beginning this fall, Automotive News reports. It marks the first time since 2008 that the automaker has offered a V-6, and the first time in more than 60 years that Jag offered a...

Ford is recalling 8,266 model-year 2013 versions of the Escape compact crossover due to problems with the brake pedal, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles were manufactured from March 8 through June 7, 2012, (check.

Cars.com Senior Editor Kristin Varela just reviewed the redesigned Hyundai Azera, the latest generation of Hyundai's full-size sedan. The Azera represents the Korean automaker's effort to draw buyers from a competitive, if overlooked, field that includes the Ford Taurus, Toyota.

The stark differences between the first-generation Nissan Versa and its second-generation was one of our most read stories of the week. Cars.com editor Jennifer Newman, owner of a 2009 Nissan Versa hatchback, took the 2012 Nissan Versa sedan out for..

The folks behind the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show must be an overly excitable bunch. They're announcing details on the show more than four months out. Judging by what they've told us, however, it looks like the show will have...

Earlier this year, Volvo announced an ambitious goal: By 2020, no one will be killed or seriously injured in one of the automaker's new vehicles. How does Volvo plan to guarantee this? It's testing out several new safety features that...

Chevrolet has been promising a navigation display for the Camaro since the car debuted in 2008; the automaker first told us that the sports coupe would get one in December 2009, but clearly that never happened. Four years later, the...

Volvo is recalling 1,469 model-year 2011-13 versions of the S80 sedan due to problems with the automatic transmission, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the affected vehicles, a software error could prevent the transmission from downshifting.

So, dads, maybe you're looking for a weekend car — something with an anti-minivan vibe and affordable sticker price to spice up the garage. Perhaps you're thinking M-I-A-T-A spells fun, but let's be truthful: It might have to work the...

When it comes to Toyota’s venerable Prius, the automaker has changed little about its gas-sipping hybrid, says Cars.com Family contributor Sara Lacey. The gas-electric hybrid has surprisingly good pickup on the highway, and it can easily fit a smaller family.

Leave it to the Italians to create the first in-vehicle espresso maker. With the new Fiat 500L, drivers can make their coffee and drink it, too. When the tiny 500's larger sibling, the 500L, goes on sale in Europe early...

Most significant changes: Now rated 31/40 mpg Price change: TBA On sale: August Which should you buy, 2012 or 2013? Better mileage and value means you should wait for a 2013 For the 2013 model year, the Nissan Versa sedan...

The Sedona is skipping 2013, but Kia says it plans to launch a redesigned minivan for model-year 2014. Although the Sedona has never been a major player in the segment — June sales were down 12% compared with June 2011...

Tesla just opened its 12th dealership, but it's closer to foot traffic than, well, car traffic. The Detroit News reports the electric-car maker's latest store opened at the Third Street Promenade, an outdoor mall in Santa Monica, Calif. The automaker,.

Model-year 2012 versions of the BMW 7 Series and 3 Series now have access to a sophisticated speech-dictation software, according to The Wall Street Journal. The app, called Dragon Drive Messaging, is made by Nuance, a popular speech-recognition developer known.

Competition is fierce in the midsize car class and the players are always changing: Toyota's Camry was redesigned for 2012 and new versions of the Honda Accord and Ford Fusion are forthcoming for 2013. Nissan is keeping pace with a...

Hyundai's largest crossover is getting the ax after model-year 2012. The Veracruz is being discontinued to make room for the long-wheelbase version of Hyundai's new Santa Fe. The seven-passenger Veracruz was introduced for model-year 2007 and has soldiered on with.

On the heels of GM offering a 60-day buyback guarantee, Chrysler will let buyers put off payments for 90 days, the Detroit News reports. The program applies to Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat vehicles and is part of the...

Hyundai is in hot water over claims of false advertising. According to a consumer watchdog group and one Elantra owner, the automaker is misleading consumers in its claims that the compact sedan gets 40 mpg. The Detroit Free Press is...

If you thought your commute to the office today was painful, it was nothing compared to one man's 12-hour trip on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway near Lagos, Nigeria. The daylong, 40-mile ride was peppered with hours of standstill traffic, crowbar-wielding thieves,.

A three-row SUV should easily fit a family of four, but that wasn’t the case with the 2012 Kia Sorento, according to Cars.com Family contributor BreAnn Ahara. She calls the optional third row a “waste of space” because it’s so...

Mazda showed off the swoopy Takeri sedan at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, and the automaker said the sedan's styling elements will make their way into a new production sedan. That looks to be the case, according to...

Chrysler will launch the ad campaign for the 2013 Dodge Dart at tonight's Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Automotive News reports. Dubbed "How to Change Cars Forever," the commercial paints a fast-paced montage of how to develop a car sans...

Every car at Scion gets new special-release editions every year. The 2013 Scion tC Release Series 8.0 is priced at $22,545, including a $730 destination fee. Models equipped with an automatic transmission cost $23,595. A regular 2013 Scion tC starts..

Feeling buyer's remorse about that Corvette purchase? Under a new Chevrolet promotion, you can change your mind. The "Love It or Return It" program means customers can return a vehicle and get a refund. The program applies to all new...

We're in the middle of a serious extended heat wave across the country. Although I typically advocate for leather or leatherette seating upholstery for any family car because it's easy to wipe away spills and sticky crumbs, in these triple-digit...

Good looks both inside and out don't have to break the family budget. The 2012 Hyundai Tucson is a stylish compact crossover that accommodates five passengers in style. Talk about family-friendly — the Tucson has a starting price of $19,970,...

According Senior Family Editor Kristin Varela, Hyundai offers luxury on a budget with its redesigned-for-2012 Azera sedan, and for the most part, it delivers. Though Varela was annoyed by a few minor shortcomings, the Azera's abundance of premium features, quiet.

Lexus will unveil the new 2013 Lexus LS 460, 460 L, 600h L and 460 F Sport models on July 30 in San Francisco. We're not sure whether to expect a complete overhaul or a mild refresh for Lexus' flagship...

When the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 goes on sale later this fall it will start at $50,195, including an $895 destination fee. That's a significant price premium ($6,900) over a 2012 BMW 335i, which shares the same inline-six-cylinder engine and...

Isuzu is recalling 11,221 model-year 1999-2000 versions of the Amigo and model-year 2001-2002 Rodeo Sports due to excessive suspension corrosion, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall affects vehicles sold or currently registered in Maine, New Hampshire,.

BMW is recalling 162 model-year 2012 versions of the Z4 convertible and ActiveE electric car due to problems with the power-steering system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the affected vehicles, variations in electrical current could cause.

When Nissan began taking reservations for the Leaf all-electric car in April 2010, Greg Tyler was among the first to plop down the $99 fee. Nineteen months later, the 59-year-old college professor was handed the keys. "The Leaf was the...

The 2013 Acura RDX luxury crossover is completely redesigned for the model year, featuring a larger body and a more fuel-efficient and powerful engine. The starting price comes with plenty of standard equipment, too, making it an attractive option for.

Despite the tepid jobs report, U.S. car sales continue to move at a brisk pace. Sales were up 20% for June, according to Cars.com Industry Analyst Kelsey Mays. For more about June’s car sales, check out our top 10 best-selling...

Chrysler's midsize sedan, the 200, hits many of the right notes with its low starting price and impressive but optional V-6 engine, according to Cars.com Family contributor Carrie Kim. However, the five-seater’s floaty suspension and difficult-to-reach Latch anchors kept this.

When the wagon version of the 2013 3 Series goes on sale next spring, it’ll share its sedan sibling’s twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. In the redesigned-for-2012 sedan, the powertrain makes 240 horsepower and is EPA.

Mazda posted details about an extensive midcycle refresh for its Japanese-marketed 2013 Mazda Roadster (shown above) — known here as the MX-5 Miata — on its Google+ page. Updates include a new front bumper, grille, fog lamps and chin spoiler....

Babies grow fast and require a seemingly endless supply of appropriately sized accessories — none of them more important than a child-safety seat. A trip to your local big box store will show you that there are tons of car...

Most significant changes: A backup camera is now standard across the lineup Price change: TBA On sale: This fall Which should you buy, 2012 or 2013? The 2012 is the winner of Cars.com's Ultimate Minivan Shootout; there's no need to...

The automaker who worked to make its name synonymous with "safety" is being fined for not reporting safety recalls in a timely manner. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volvo Cars North America has agreed to pay a...

U.S. shoppers bought 1.29 million vehicles in June 2012, a huge 232,000-unit increase compared with the same period last year. These better-than-expected results have the overall industry sticking with a pace of about 14.1 million auto sales for the 2012.

Volkswagen and Porsche have finally come to an agreement to complete the merger that has been in the works since 2009, according to Bloomberg News. Volkswagen agreed to buy the 50.1% share in Porsche that it doesn't already own for...

GM is recalling 2,070 model-year 2012 versions of the Chevrolet Captiva Sport because of problems with the parking brake, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The compact crossover may look familiar; Chevy rebadged the Saturn Vue for fleet-only.

Don't be fooled by the Sportage's edgy, sporty exterior styling. Inside is a family-friendly cabin. Although the Kia Sportage is a compact crossover, two child-safety seats fit comfortably in the second row and easy-to-access Latch anchors eased installation.

Among a gathering of collector, muscle and custom cars totaling in the thousands, I thought the factory-fresh 2012 Cadillac CTS-V sedan I was driving would go unnoticed. The unmodified sports sedan — Cadillac’s answer to Germany’s BMW M and Mercedes-Benz.

Sales for major automakers improved more than 20% over a dismal June 2011 as the hardest-hit brands during last year's Japan earthquake recorded huge year-over-year gains. Toyota gained 60.3%; Honda picked up 48.8%, and Nissan added 28.2%. Not that the.

Chrysler aimed to take the 300 into luxury territory with the sedan's 2011 redesign, but its aging five-speed automatic held the 300 back, according to Cars.com Executive Editor Joe Wiesenfelder. Model-year 2012's new eight-speed automatic, top-line S trim level and.

When the 2013 Ford Fusion goes on sale, it will start at $22,495, including a $795 destination fee. That's nearly $1,000 more than a 2012 Fusion, but there's more equipment here, such as a standard automatic transmission. The 2013 Fusion...

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently crash-tested the tiny Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car, and it fared well in the agency's tests, garnering a respectable four out of five stars. The i-MiEV's composite rating is composed of threes, fours and.

Seven all-new cars are off to a fast start. The Cadillac XTS hit dealerships just last month, but GM's flagship luxury car averaged just five days to sell. It tied the Hyundai Accent sedan and Subaru BRZ for June's fastest...

Most significant changes: A backup camera is now standard across the lineup Price change: TBA On sale: Later this summer Which should you buy, 2012 or 2013? The 2012 won our Family Car of the Year award; there’s no need...

Forget about your high school buddy’s three-cylinder Geo Metro that you and two friends tipped over on its side as a practical joke. We just drove Ford’s turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine at the automaker’s proving grounds, in Dearborn, Mich.

Apparently the stunning second-generation CLS coupe is popular enough that Mercedes-Benz has decided to build a wagon variant of the model, dubbed the CLS Shooting Brake. It was first seen as a concept in 2010, and it looks relatively unchanged,...

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that 3,092 people were killed in distracted-driving-related accidents. Just as alarming is that more than two-thirds of drivers polled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about distracted driving reported that they.

Mercedes-Benz will introduce a wagon version of the coupe-like CLS-Class sedan dubbed the CLS Shooting Brake, but it won't come stateside. A shooting brake — an old term for wagon — hasn't been offered in the CLS' eight-year history. In...

Audi is recalling 13,172 model-year 2012 versions of the Q5 compact SUV because of problems with the sunroof, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles were manufactured from June 21, 2011, through Dec. 9, 2011.

Compiling the American-Made Index always brings its share of interesting tidbits, and this year had no shortage. Here are a few: For 2012, the highest domestic parts content for a single vehicle comes in the Toyota Matrix hatchback. According to...

Most significant changes: The 6 Series gets even faster with a more powerful V-8 Price change: $895 increase for 640i; $2,500 increase for 650i On sale: Late summer Which should you buy, 2012 or 2013? If 400 hp isn't enough...

Looking at the full-size Taurus, the thought of sticking a four-cylinder in the heavy sedan seems like an ill-fated move. Ford’s execution defies conventional thought, however, thanks to the EcoBoost turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that has enough oomph — 240 horsepower.

Compiling the American-Made Index always brings its share of interesting tidbits, and this year had no shortage. Here are a few: For 2012, the highest domestic parts content for a single vehicle comes in the Toyota Matrix hatchback. According to...

Cars.com's American-Made Index gauges how American a car is on a model-by-model basis, but there are lots of other ways to determine just how American a car is. If you look at raw employment figures, Detroit automakers have a larger...

It's that time of year again: Cars.com has prepared its annual American-Made Index. For those coming late to the party, here's how we determine the rankings: We use two data points that are required by law to be posted on...

For the 2013 model year, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe gets extra power for both its four- and six-cylinder powertrains. On the four-cylinder model we tested, the added power and retuned suspension improve the vehicle in a big way, according to...

As we've expected for a few months, Honda will update its Civic for 2013, just one model year after redesigning the popular compact. It's a response to criticisms, including ours, over the car's lackluster handling and cheap interior, though we...